Traveling I 90 W through Chicago

vt3fan · May 29, 2016

Last year my wife and I traveled from the New England area to Rapid City, South Dakota area and did so almost entirely on I 90. For the most part it was ok, except for Chicago area, which was an experience that we would not like to duplicate. This year,we are looking at I 80 and then picking up either I 29 or I 35 N once we are safely by Chicago. Any suggestions or tips or warnings you could pass along? We are towing a 5th Wheel trailer.

dzwiss · May 29, 2016

I 80 south of Chicago can still be a little dicey but much better than going through Chicago. Once west of Chicago you can pick up I39 and go north towards Madison, WI where you can pick up 94 and 90 again. I39 north is a piece of cake.

Wagner4745 · May 29, 2016

If you are using toll roads already why not take the I90 Exit 21 down to I94 west which merges with I80 west at Ripley St and stay on I80 to I294 and merge with I355 north to I88 west to I39 north to intersect with I90 west (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway) at Rockford, IL and then continue on I90 west to Rapid City.

I don’t know how you handle your drive time and overnight stops so you may want to research this route for places to stop.

Safe travels and good luck.

I'mdonewiththis forum · May 29, 2016

Personally I would do like you are thinking. Get off on I-80 and go north on I-39. It takes a little longer, but you avoid most of the problems. I ceratainly don't like to run the Indiana or Ohio toll roads. They are way to expensive for my blood.......

docj · May 29, 2016

Last month we came in from the west on I-55 and took I-90/I-80 to Elkhart. The good news is that we did it, the bad news is that it was pretty much 18-wheelers in every lane. Coming out of Elkhart to go to SD we went south to US24 and took it across to I-39; a bit longer but much less stressful. After 50k+ miles of driving our MH I pretty much can drive it most anywhere, but I hate to subject myself to unnecessary hassle if there's a way to avoid it.

Joel (AKA docj)

LFDR3116 · May 30, 2016

I-80 west of Chicago is an easy drive all across Iowa, not much traffic. We took that route and then north on 29 to Sioux Falls last summer.

Jim & Alice · May 30, 2016

I would suggest I-80 thru Chicago all the way to Omaha. Then catch I-29 North to Sioux Falls, then I-90 West to Rapid. Drove this stretch twice last year, and much prefer to the I-39 route.

2gypsies · May 30, 2016

You could also do 'scenic' if not in a hurry and travel through Michigan's Upper Peninsula via Hwy 2 and stay on it until the Pacific Ocean. We've done that and it's a great ride.

vt3fan · May 30, 2016

Thanks to all for some great advice. Now to review all and make a decision........

Nolan · May 30, 2016

I would suggest I-80 thru Chicago all the way to Omaha. Then catch I-29 North to Sioux Falls, then I-90 West to Rapid. Drove this stretch twice last year, and much prefer to the I-39 route.

I'd go this way too. I-80 through the south side of Chicago. Did it a couple weeks ago heading east. Road construction and the crappy bumpy roads suck but otherwise easy going. I'm sure going west bound will be the same.